Daily Career Connection

The news every day is sobering. Companies are laying off workers at an increasing rate – even companies like GE, Home Depot and other mega-organizations aren’t immune.

If you’re not worried about your job, you’re in the minority. You might think this would be a good time to keep your head down, stay quiet and ride it out – come in, do your job, go home.

You’d be dead wrong.

When it comes time for management to decide who stays and who goes, it’s easiest to cut the guy or gal no one notices. To cement your worth to the company, you need to brand yourself as a go-getter who gives high value with low maintenance.

Here are some tips to improve your job security.

1. Get lots of face time. This isn’t the time to take advantage of your company’s tele-commuting program. Get yourself into the office every day. Come in a little early; stay a little later. Volunteer for high-profile projects. Volunteer to take on some project that no one else wants. Forget work/life balance. When the weather’s nasty, everyone on the ship needs to turn to.

2. Make your boss look good. Volunteer for extra work; finish projects early and under budget; find ways to save the company money. Make sure your boss is aware of your contributions, especially for things outside the normal scope of your duties — try sending a weekly email, listing your projects and updating their statuses. If upper management notices and comments on your work, generously share the kudos with your boss and don’t hog all the credit. You need to stand out, but make sure you shine the light on your boss, too.

3. Don’t whine or complain about an increased workload – especially not to your coworkers. Keep a positive attitude and redouble your efforts. Bosses always seem to know who is cheerfully shouldering extra responsibilities and who balks and complains about every little change.

4. Remember the bottom line. In any organization, the people who make money for the company are the ones who stay employed. “Sales” is everyone’s responsibility, and even more so during the lean times. Think of ways you can increase your company’s visibility, or bring in new business. Look for ways to save the company money. Can you find a new (and cheaper) supplier for office supplies, coffee cups, or web design? Do the research and write it up. If you work for a non-profit, come up with innovative ways to raise money in a slow economy. Document your efforts and your rate of success and make sure your boss is aware of them.

5. Stay plugged in at work. Be visible at work functions and don’t skip the monthly after-work social event. Join the coffee mess at work instead of spending $4 with your local barista and meet your coworkers for lunch instead of going it alone at your desk. Keep tuned into the information (read: gossip) that gets passed around at work.

6. Keep a positive attitude. Start and end each day with a few moments of quiet time. Relax your mind and focus on only good things. Envision yourself as happy, successful and enjoying your work and your life. We attract what we focus on, so make sure your thoughts stay positive and upbeat. Just because a recession seems to be going on around you, doesn’t mean you have to participate in it.